Rohit Sharma’s Century Ends Drought, India Clinches Series

Sports Desk

Rohit Sharma returned to form in spectacular fashion, ending his lean patch with a blazing century to lead India to a series-clinching victory over England in the second ODI at Cuttack on Monday.

The Indian captain smashed 119 runs off 90 balls, including seven sixes, helping India chase down England’s total of 304 with four wickets in hand. This knock not only marked his return to form after a 12-inning drought without a fifty but also propelled him past Chris Gayle to become the second-highest six-hitter in ODIs, behind only Shahid Afridi.

England opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted a competitive total, driven by fifties from Ben Duckett and Joe Root, alongside solid contributions from Liam Livingstone and Jos Buttler.

However, Rohit made the target look modest, building a 136-run opening partnership with Shubman Gill, who scored 60 off 52 balls. While Virat Kohli, returning from injury, failed to make an impact, Rohit steadied the chase alongside Shreyas Iyer. Rohit brought up his 32nd ODI century before departing, but Iyer’s 44 and Axar Patel’s unbeaten 41 ensured India’s comfortable victory.

With this win, India sealed the three-match series 2-0, asserting their dominance ahead of the Champions Trophy.